El-Rufai to report to SSS today

Former Minister of Federal Capital Territory and chieftain of All Progressives Congress, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, will today report to the office of the security agency in Abuja.

Operatives  of the  State Security Service had attempted to arrest the former minister last week after he failed to honour their invitation.

El-Rufai is wanted by the SSS to clarify media reports quoting him as threatening that unless certain things were put in place, the 2015 general election would be marred by violence.

The Department of State Service had  on Thursday warned those making provocative statements ahead of 2015 general elections to desist from such or face the full weight of the law.

The warning was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director Public Relations, DSS. Marilyn Ogar.

Ogar said the attention of the service had been drawn to incessant provocative statements by some Nigerians threatening violence ahead of the election.

She said, 'Such comments are offensive, misguided and directed at stirring hate among Nigerians. This service and other law enforcement agencies have the mandate to protect the country and its citizens.

'We, therefore, warn all subversive elements that are bent on promoting divisive and disruptive agenda to refrain from such as the full weight of the law shall henceforth be brought to bear accordingly.'

The DSS boss urged Nigerians to remain law abiding and assist security agencies in ensuring the safety of all.

On Friday, a team of security operatives had swooped on the Abuja residence of the former FCT minister in a bid to arrest him. The security men later left at about 2p.m. without el-Rufai. However, in a statement in Abuja, on Friday by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC  expressed shock that the SSS was seeking to arrest el-Rufai for merely exercising his constitutional right to free speech.

It said there was nothing inciting or extraordinary in the statement credited to el-Rufai that there might be violence if the 2015 general election  were not free and fair.